It was once a little hub of local shops, but these days this narrow arcade is more or less just a wooden shell with empty spaces where most of the businesses once stood. Only two of the original stores are still open, and even then, the green tea outlet looks more like a museum piece than a fully functioning operation. The tofu place next door, on the other hand, is very much a going concern, and considering the location, it still has a steady enough supply of customers.
A more modern appendage at one end seems to enjoy the majority of visitors, but presumably when either that or the tofu shop call it a day, then the bulldozers will finally move in. Until then, however, it remains a fascinating glimpse of Japan before supermarkets and convenience stores became common.
Günter says
I can see these are from a different time but I would very much like to buy some green tea there.
Lee says
It’s certainly a special looking shop, so if their tea matches that it’d be very nice indeed.
cdilla says
That tea shop! Your photograph almost looks like it has a green cast to it, but the primary reds, blues and yellows are vivid and untinited. Such an array of greens! It can’t be common to see such a wonderful old place so excellently lit like that. Even rarer to have it captured in such clarity as here. A new addition to my favourites of yours.
Lee says
Quite the place, isn’t it? And yes, greens galore.
Cheers. Glad you like it so much. A rarity that one. Shot on the little Ricoh as it was too narrow for the 35mm on the Leica. Never really bonded with that camera, but it does produce decent results when I ask it to.
Richard says
Those two shops must have a loyal customer base. It is bittersweet to see that they are still in business.
Thanks for another glimpse into a Tokyo most people don’t know about.
Lee says
I reckon so. The tofu shop certainly had a fair bit for sale. And yeah, definitely that element to it.
You are very welcome. Finding and also photographing these places is always a genuine pleasure.
Denise says
I love the tofu guy’s expression! 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, not at all sure he was as happy to see me as I was to see his shop!